Country profile
Liechtenstein
LI · LIEAs of: 7/22/2026High-value industrial location / part of the Swiss customs territory
Since 1924 Liechtenstein has formed a common customs territory with Switzerland; there is no customs border with Switzerland and Swiss customs and VAT rates apply. The highly industrialised landlocked state exports precision instruments, tools, dental products and pharmaceuticals. All freight runs by road and rail through Switzerland and Austria; the country has no seaport or airport of its own.
Overview
Liechtenstein (ISO code: LI) is a doubly landlocked principality in Central Europe between Switzerland and Austria and a constitutional hereditary monarchy with strong rule of law. Its economy is highly industrialised and specialised in precision manufacturing, dental technology, tools, pharmaceuticals and financial services. The defining logistics fact is the 1924 customs treaty with Switzerland: Liechtenstein is part of the Swiss customs territory, there is no customs border with Switzerland, and Swiss customs law, the BAZG customs system Passar and Swiss VAT rates apply. At the same time Liechtenstein has been a member of EFTA and the EEA since 1995, giving it access to the EU single market. The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). With no seaport or airport of its own, all freight moves by road and rail through Switzerland and Austria; air freight runs via Zurich, St. Gallen-Altenrhein and Friedrichshafen, sea freight via Swiss access ports and the Rhine ports of Basel.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG); on the Liechtenstein side, Office for National EconomyImport system
Swiss customs system Passar of BAZG (replaces e-dec/NCTS); Liechtenstein belongs to the common customs territory, no customs border with Switzerland.
Export system
Export via the Swiss customs system Passar (BAZG); Liechtenstein lies in the common customs territory, the external border is the Swiss customs border.
Import VAT
- Import VAT at Swiss rates via VAT treaty: standard rate 8,1 percent, reduced 2,6 percent, accommodation 3,8 percent (since 1.1.2024).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Consignment note (CMR)
- Import customs declaration (Passar)
- Proof of origin for preference
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Export customs declaration (Passar)
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 / origin declaration)
- Consignment note (CMR)
Origin proofs / FTA
EFTA and EEA preference proofs (EUR.1, origin declaration, REX); in goods trade, Swiss customs and origin practice applies.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Swiss import bans and restrictions apply (weapons, war material, certain foodstuffs, CITES species, therapeutic products).
Export controls & sanctions
UN sanctions are mandatory; EU sanctions are adopted autonomously (ISG, 2008); goods controls within the framework of the customs union and the EEA.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Europe) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Europe. Depending on the destination (customs union, VAT, product rules), steps and documents may differ.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Zürich (ZRH) - nächster Frachtflughafen
- St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH)
- Friedrichshafen (FDH)
Seaports / access ports
- No own seaports; access via the Swiss Rhine ports of Basel as well as the seaports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Genoa
Road corridors & border crossings
- A13 Switzerland in the Rhine Valley towards Chur and St. Margrethen
- Connection to the A14 Austria at Feldkirch
- Main axis Buchs-Schaan-Vaduz-Triesen
Rail corridors
- ÖBB line Feldkirch-Buchs through Liechtenstein (stations Schaan-Vaduz, Nendeln, Forst Hilti, Schaanwald)
- Connection to the Swiss and Austrian rail network
Top trade lanes
- Liechtenstein-Switzerland
- Liechtenstein-Germany
- Liechtenstein-Austria
- Liechtenstein-USA
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Very high political and economic stability as well as legal certainty; main risks are alpine weather and dependence on transit routes through Switzerland and Austria.
Seasonal & weather risks
Alpine winters with snow and occasional avalanche risk in mountain regions; the Rhine Valley as main axis is rarely affected.
Current logistics notes
No nationwide disruption verified (as of 2026-07-22). Connection fully via Switzerland and Austria, no customs border with Switzerland; the BAZG Passar migration (replacement of e-dec by 31.3.2027) also applies to Liechtenstein.
As of: 2026-07-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Jan 6, 2026 | Epiphany | National | |||
| Apr 6, 2026 | Easter Monday | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| May 14, 2026 | Ascension Day | National | |||
| May 25, 2026 | Whit Monday | National | |||
| Jun 4, 2026 | Corpus Christi | National | |||
| Aug 15, 2026 | National Day (Assumption) | National | |||
| Sep 8, 2026 | Nativity of Mary | National | |||
| Nov 1, 2026 | All Saints' Day | National | |||
| Dec 8, 2026 | Immaculate Conception | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National | |||
| Dec 26, 2026 | St Stephen's Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Epiphany
Jan 6, 2026
Easter Monday
Apr 6, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Ascension Day
May 14, 2026
Whit Monday
May 25, 2026
Corpus Christi
Jun 4, 2026
National Day (Assumption)
Aug 15, 2026
Nativity of Mary
Sep 8, 2026
All Saints' Day
Nov 1, 2026
Immaculate Conception
Dec 8, 2026
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
St Stephen's Day
Dec 26, 2026
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is there a customs border between Liechtenstein and Switzerland?
No. Since 1924, Liechtenstein has formed a common customs territory with Switzerland. In trade with Switzerland there are no customs formalities; the Swiss external border is at the same time Liechtenstein's customs border.
Which VAT rates apply in Liechtenstein?
Under the VAT treaty with Switzerland, the same rates apply: standard rate 8,1 percent, reduced rate 2,6 percent and accommodation rate 3,8 percent (since 1 January 2024). The Liechtenstein Tax Administration is responsible for domestic VAT.
Which customs authority is responsible for Liechtenstein?
Since Liechtenstein belongs to the Swiss customs territory, the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) handles customs formalities. On the Liechtenstein side, the Office for National Economy is responsible for questions on the trade of goods.
Is Liechtenstein a member of the EU or the EEA?
Liechtenstein is not an EU member, but has been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and EFTA since 1995. As a result, it has access to the EU single market and at the same time participates in the customs union with Switzerland.
Does Liechtenstein have its own airport or seaport?
No. Liechtenstein is a double landlocked country without its own airport or seaport. Air freight runs via Zurich (ZRH), St. Gallen-Altenrhein or Friedrichshafen, and sea freight via Swiss access ports and the Rhine ports in Basel.
How is Liechtenstein connected for freight transport?
Freight transport runs by road and rail through Switzerland and Austria. The important routes are the A13 in the Rhine Valley, the connection to the A14 at Feldkirch, and the ÖBB railway line Feldkirch-Buchs with stops in Schaan and Nendeln.
Which sanctions and export control rules apply in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein mandatorily implements UN sanctions and adopts EU sanctions autonomously (Act on the Enforcement of International Sanctions, ISG, 2008). Export control and dual-use goods are governed by the rules within the framework of the customs union and the EEA.
Which trade partners are important for Liechtenstein?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Liechtenstein?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
Matching tools and partners